‘Boy wonder’ Michael Owen looked destined for stardom from an early age. He scored an unprecedented 12 goals in eight games for the England Schoolboys (Under 15) team in 1995.

Arguably Owen’s greatest contribution to English football was made in the colours of the national team. Owen made his debut for England aged 18 in 1997 and his goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France was voted one of the greatest ever England goals. He went on to score a total of 40 goals in 89 international appearances, including a memorable hat-trick against Germany in 2001.

In the same year he was became one of only four Englishmen to be crowned European Player of the Year. Owen played in three World Cup final tournaments and two European Championship final tournaments. As Owen said of himself “One thing I will guarantee you is goals”.

Caps: 89 (40 goals)
Honours: 1 Premier League, 1 FA Cup, 3 League Cups, 1 UEFA Cup, 1 Super Cup